This chaddar was given to Shanaz Aslam by her aunt. Muslim women wear chaddars around their head and shoulders.

Shanaz Aslam

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Shanaz Aslam

Shanaz describes wearing the chaddar:

"Even in England at the age of seven we had to start covering our legs up, especially when our grandma was around. When we went back to Pakistan when I was nine it was even more extreme and we had to cover ourselves. You are taught that you should have everything covered, otherwise your dignity, your respect is threatened."

"In the first year I was there I was given the chadder, and the chadders just get bigger as you get older and you cover more of yourself until you're my age when you totally hide yourself. After a while you start to begin to want to cover yourself. You know, it's kind of in there,without anybody ever telling you so."

"I've more or less escaped from the religion. It's still going to take a while. I feel more comfortable about showing my legs and wearing tight fitting clothes since I would not have done that before. I have not worn the chadder for a long time, and I don't intend to again."

Wearing the chadder

Shanaz's aunt brought her this chaddar when she came to visit from Pakistan in 1991.

Shanaz has a Scottish mother and a Pakistani father.She has in Britain and Pakistan.

Muslims consider it respectful for women to cover themselves, particularly their heads.

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